Probiotics: future directions

Clinical studies have shown that certain probiotics may be useful in treati ng a variety of diarrheal disorders, including rotavirus diarrhea, antibiot ic-associated diarrhea, Clostridium difficile diarrhea, and traveler's diar rhea. New data suggest that probiotics might be useful in controlling infla mmatory diseases, treating and preventing allergic diseases, preventing can cer, and stimulating the immune system, which may reduce the incidence of r espiratory disease. Different modes of administering probiotics are current ly being investigated, which may ultimately lead to the widespread use of p robiotics in functional foods. It is important that such practices be direc ted by carefully controlled clinical studies published in peer-reviewed jou rnals.